Hull Artist Stewart Taylor Marks 60 Years of Stunning Seascapes and Street Scenes

Stewart Taylor is a well-known artist from Hull who has spent 60 years painting scenes from his home city and the Humber area. He recently turned 80 years old, and to celebrate, he gathered with many of his students at North Ferriby Village Hall. Stewart wore his usual black jumper and a dark green apron, standing in front of two of his paintings. One of the paintings showed people gathered in a square, capturing the lively spirit of the city. Stewart has promised to 'just carry on painting' because art is such a big part of his life.

Stewart was born near the Humber and the River Hull, and he says these places have always inspired him. He remembers growing up on Spyvee Street, which was demolished in the 1960s. Even though it was one of the poorest areas in Hull and people were still on rations after the war, Stewart has fond memories of his childhood. He believes that living near the river and the city gave him endless ideas for his art. He said, 'If you can't get inspiration from those subjects when you're a kid, then there's something wrong. '

Stewart is famous for his marine art and seascapes, which have been bought by collectors from all over the world. One of his paintings, 'Coming Ashore at Admirals Steps, Hull,' shows a ship leaning to one side in rough, brown water, with a man in a black uniform standing by the cabin. Another painting, 'Paull Lighthouse - Jim's Place,' features a lighthouse, a sea wall, and people looking out at the water. Stewart is currently working on a painting of a street scene, showing people getting ready for Bonfire Night. He paints his friends and neighbours from memory, bringing the past to life on his canvas.

Stewart also enjoys teaching art. He encourages his students to use their imagination and develop their own style. At his birthday celebration, twelve of his students displayed their artwork. Anne Purdy, a former nurse who has been learning from Stewart for over five years, showed a painting about her recovery from breast cancer. She said, 'Stewart is not only an artist, he's also a therapist of sorts. We spend lots of time laughing, singing and painting. ' Another student, Andrew Penny, said that Stewart never tries to make his students copy his style. Instead, he helps them find their own way of painting, which is the sign of a great teacher.

Stewart paints with oils and watercolours, and he is known for his romantic views of the sea and local street scenes. He says that if he could live his life again, he would not change a thing. Stewart is proud of his students and the community they have built together. At his birthday party, everyone celebrated with glasses of fizz, surrounded by paintings and happy memories. Stewart plans to keep painting for as long as he can, sharing his love of art with others and capturing the beauty of Hull and the Humber area.